Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Overview -In the world of western RPG's, nothing tops the Elder Scrolls. Each release sets the standard for open environments, variety of missions, and magnificently epic battles. The last Elder Scrolls, Oblivion, is still my choice for the best game of this generation. Needless to say, I've been awaiting the new game, Skyrim, with baited breath. Let's see what it brings to the table.
Video Review
Skyrim looks gorgeous, pushing the limits of what this generation of consoles can process. Gone is the HDR lighting scheme of Oblivion (thankfully), replaced by the more muted color scheme of the northern lands. Skyrim is ultimately less graphically varied than Oblivion, but there is no shortage of impressive graphics, whether you're on a windswept mountain top or at a bubbling geyser. And those dragons sure do take your breath away.
Audio Review
Once again, Bethesda brings some A-level talent to do the voice work in Skyrim. Every character sounds unique, and you could spend weeks just talking to NPC's throughout the game. The environment also has plenty of ambient sounds, and some not so ambient (it's always a tense moment when you hear a growling bear and know that in seconds it will be on top of you). There's a whole world inside of Skyrim, and every part of it has a sound.
Skyrim once again transports us to the wonderful world of Elder Scrolls. Here you can make a character unique to you, play how you want, and do what you want. And along the way you get to slay some giant dragons. How cool is that?